Portfolio Manager

Job Summary

The Portfolio Manager is responsible for the integrated oversight and delivery health of a defined portfolio of studies, ensuring consistency, quality, and operational alignment across projects. This role provides portfolio-level governance, performance visibility, and risk management, identifying systemic issues and driving corrective actions to protect delivery outcomes.

The Portfolio Manager leads portfolio-level client governance, consolidating performance insights, trends, and risks across studies. Acting as the primary escalation point for cross-study issues, the Portfolio Manager ensures effective coordination between Project Managers, functional leaders, and client stakeholders to maintain delivery stability and predictability.

This role operates within a defined governance model that distinguishes execution ownership (Project Manager), portfolio delivery control (Portfolio Manager), and strategic partnership ownership (Alliance Manager).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure alignment, communication, and consistency across all active and upcoming studies associated with assigned client portfolios.

Develop and maintain portfolio level tools, templates, dashboards, communication plans, and governance materials.

Track and analyze service delivery of KPIs, identify trends, and collaborate with leadership on improvement plans.

Lead regularly scheduled governance meetings with clients to review program plans, KPIs, risks, and opportunities for improvement and growth.

Monitor quality, timelines, risks, dependencies, and resources across each portfolio.

Oversee communication pathways across internal teams, clients, and external partners to ensure clarity and continuity.

Facilitate proactive identification and resolution of portfolio wide risks, challenges, or recurring issues.

Manage pathways for issue escalation between client stakeholders, study teams, and internal leaders.

Partner with business development from bid defense through long-term account strategy, ensuring client needs are met.

Establish trusted relationships with client decision makers as a senior operational and strategic point of contact.

Support unique client requests by championing and developing cross-functional service solutions with operational leaders.

Represent the organization at client and/or investigator meetings, including periodic client visits.

Provide strategic guidance, mentorship, and coaching to project teams delivering within the portfolio.

Translate novel client or study requirements into creative, scalable operational solutions.

Offer performance feedback to functional leads and operational team members to support continuous improvement.

Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university required.

Minimum of three years of experience in clinical research, central laboratory operations, portfolio/program management, or related field required.

Experience in customer service and client relationship management is required.

Experience interpreting KPIs and operational performance data preferred.

Skills and Ability

Strong ability to interpret technical procedures, regulations, and clinical trial requirements.

Ability to write reports and present information clearly to clients and internal leadership.

Strong analytical skills, including the ability to calculate and interpret operational metrics.

Ability to manage complex problems in dynamic, multi-study environments.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project).

Excellent organization, communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.

Strong stress management skills and ability to perform under pressure.

Supervisory Responsibilities:   None

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the occupant is regularly required to:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Prolonged use of computer and headphones for conference calls.

Communicate effectively via phone, video, and email.

Use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

Travel Requirements:   Up to 25%

One Global Team

At LabConnect, we are proud to be one global team: united by our shared mission to advance clinical trials through innovation, agility, and collaboration. We believe that our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our core values: People First, Quality Focused, Customer Centered, Technology Driven, and Accountability Always.

LabConnect is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), creed, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to cultivating a workplace that is safe, equitable, and respectful for all. Together, as one global team, we strive to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our shared success.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.